Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish faced a tough defeat in the 2025 national championship game, falling 34-23 to Ohio State. This loss came just days before the team experienced another setback, as two prominent wide receivers entered the transfer portal, leaving fans concerned about the future of the program.
Transfer portal woes for Notre Dame
On Wednesday, wideouts Deion Colzie and Jayden Thomas made headlines by reportedly entering the transfer portal. This decision marks a significant shift for the Fighting Irish, who have relied on these players for their offensive strategy. Colzie, who committed to Notre Dame in 2021, accumulated 21 career catches for 345 yards and three touchdowns over four seasons. However, his impact was limited in the 2024 season, where he played only four games and recorded just 41 yards and a touchdown.
Meanwhile, Thomas, who began his career in 2022, had a more productive tenure at Notre Dame. He recorded 64 catches for 838 yards and seven touchdowns across three seasons. In the 2024 season alone, Thomas tallied 167 yards and two touchdowns on 18 receptions, along with 27 rushing yards on three carries. The decision of both players to enter the portal suggests they are seeking more opportunities for game action elsewhere, a move that could leave a noticeable gap in the Fighting Irish’s receiving corps.
Freeman takes responsibility for championship loss
Following the national championship defeat, Marcus Freeman expressed pride in his team’s overall performance throughout the season. However, he also took responsibility for not guiding his players to victory in the crucial moments of the game. “You’re always making mistakes, but those type of detrimental mistakes when you play a really, really good football team cost you points,” Freeman stated. His words reflect a deep understanding of the challenges faced in high-stakes games, where every misstep can lead to heartbreaking consequences.
Freeman acknowledged that communication was a key issue during the game. He emphasized the importance of being prepared and ensuring that players are on the same page. “It falls on my shoulders. And as the head coach, we have to prepare and be better prepared for this moment. These guys gave everything they got,” he remarked. His commitment to learning from this experience is crucial as he looks to rebuild and strengthen the team for the upcoming season.
The impact of player departures
The recent departures of Colzie and Thomas raise questions about the depth and experience of the Notre Dame roster moving forward. With the transfer portal becoming an increasingly popular avenue for players seeking new opportunities, it remains to be seen whether more experienced players will follow suit. The Fighting Irish will also face the challenge of replacing key players who are set to enter the 2025 NFL draft.
The loss of both wide receivers could significantly impact Notre Dame’s offensive strategy. With Colzie and Thomas gone, Freeman will need to identify new talent to fill the void. This could involve looking toward younger players or potential transfers who can step up and contribute immediately. The pressure is on Freeman and his coaching staff to ensure that the team remains competitive in the coming seasons.
Looking ahead: Rebuilding the Fighting Irish
As Notre Dame navigates these changes, the focus will be on rebuilding and reestablishing the program’s competitiveness. Freeman has garnered respect and admiration from fans for bringing the team to the brink of a national title, but now he faces the daunting task of regrouping after a tough loss and player departures.
The upcoming recruiting class will be critical for the Fighting Irish, as they seek to attract top talent to South Bend. Freeman’s ability to connect with recruits and showcase the potential for success at Notre Dame will play a vital role in shaping the future of the program. With the right mix of incoming talent and returning players, there is hope that the Fighting Irish can bounce back stronger than ever.
In the world of college football, change is constant, and the transfer portal has added a new layer of complexity. As teams adapt to this evolving landscape, Notre Dame will need to embrace the challenge and work diligently to maintain its status as a powerhouse in the sport. The journey ahead may be filled with obstacles, but with Freeman at the helm, there is a renewed sense of optimism for the Fighting Irish faithful.
With the 2025 season approaching, fans will be eagerly watching how Freeman and his staff respond to these challenges. Will they be able to turn adversity into opportunity? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Fighting Irish will continue to fight for their place among college football’s elite.
